The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Running hot, what's too hot?

Lot of good stuff questions, thanks guys.

Answers:

valve lash: set per shop manual...let oil get up to operating temp then set per shop manual specs.

vacuum gauge: i have a good vacuum gauge, so i'll try adjusting timing using it.

Rebuild: block/head were hot tanked and cleaned really well. I'm not seeing any discoloration in the fluid i'm loosing out the overflow when I shut engine off. Looks real clean.

Carburetor mixture: haven't adjusted that yet.

fan: it's 1/2" from radiator, stock fan, install in the right direction.

how long to get to high temp? It will not get to high temp without load (driving). If I start it cold and let it warm up, gauge reads 180. Then if I go for a drive, it'll go past 180.

water pump: it's old, about the only thing I did not replace on engine. It seemed functional when I had it out and turbine moved freely. How do these fail, and how do I know if it's failed?

I'm going to pull the thermostat out completely and see if there is an issue there.